FONTANA, CA, MAY 19, 2012 – It took 160 firefighters from 40 companies to control a massive fire in a 10-acre pallet yard. The first alarm was received at 6:07 P.M. by the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The first engine arrived six minutes later and reported heavy fire and smoke from pallets stacked two and three stories high. The fire extended to three small outbuildings.
Several fuel and propane tanks exploded during the incident. Flying embers set fire to an adjacent yard measuring 100 feet long by 200 feet wide that held a huge pile of used truck tires. The water department was notified to boost water pressure in the area. Multiple ladder pipes and elevating platforms were used. Three nearby residences were evacuated. The six-alarm fire caused about $ 2.5 million in damage.
The fire was being investigated by San Bernardino County Investigators. One firefighter was transported for heat related injuries. Units from San Bernardino County, San Bernardino City, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, Crest Forest, Running Springs, Big Bear Lake and Riverside City Fire responded.
—Otto Schramm, San Bernardino County Fire Department
